According to rumors, Ryan Howard is strongly leaning toward Leon Rose, the agent who represents former 76ers guard Allen Iverson, LeBron James and other basketball stars. That buzz continued yesterday, with another baseball source saying Rose would be pairing with Howard. But Rose, who would be representing a baseball player for the first time, said yesterday that he hadn't spoken with Howard. "While it would be an honor to represent somebody of Ryan Howard's magnitude in any sport, I have not spoken to Ryan nor do I represent him," Rose said.